Obama: ‘I can relate’ to Heat struggle

President Barack Obama greeted the Miami Heat at the White House on Tuesday with a message about their tenuous road to the NBA championship: “I can relate.”

“This group has won twice now, but it’s gone to the finals three times,” he said to the back-to-back world champions. “And sometimes it feels like they’re still fighting for a little respect. I can relate to that.”

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Obama congratulated the team on its second trip to the White House, and also on its philanthropic efforts, including to the first lady’s fitness campaign.

“I know Michelle is thankful for the support that many of these players have given to her Let’s Move initiative,” he said. “I heard that all of you are getting ready to embarrass yourselves by singing some karaoke for [Miami Heat player Shane Battier’s] education foundation.”

Before the event, players visited with wounded veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Some of them joined the players at the White House.

The president was also sure to let the team know he’d been watching, recounting season highlights and statistics for stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

While Obama remains solidly a Chicago Bulls fan, he thanked the team for his Miami “44” jersey.